My Career Change from IT to Marketing — And Why It Made Total Sense
A few years ago, I made a career change from IT to marketing — and it turned out to be one of the smartest moves I’ve ever made.
When I got out of the U.S. Navy, I struggled to find work in the civilian world due to some of the physical disabilities I sustained while on active duty. As a disabled veteran, the Department of Veterans Affairs retrained me for a new profession. At that time, there was a growing demand for IT professionals.
I was trained in computer hardware repair (which I loved—but you can keep your printer. If there’s an issue, just toss it and buy a new one), Windows installation/support, and programming. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved the idea and concept of programming. Honestly, I blame my interest on the 1985 film Weird Science, but that’s neither here nor there.
Part of learning a programming language was understanding algorithms. We wrote simple ones and learned how they could index items, find similarities, and catalog multiple pieces of data at the speed of whatever computer you were using.
In the early 2000s, platforms like Facebook and Twitter started taking over the scene. I found myself fascinated by the programming behind them. I dove into learning how their algorithms worked—how they connected people who might be two or three degrees separated, how they monitored what posts you looked at, what you clicked on, and the words and themes you engaged with. All of this data was used to show users more of what interested them, keeping them on the platform longer.
I was hooked on understanding these systems and how they worked. My curiosity led me to tools like Google Analytics and Google AdWords, which led me to the Google Keyword Tool—and from there, I discovered the power of SEO.
I quickly realized that all of these tools and strategies could be combined to reach the exact people you wanted to connect with. It wasn’t just data—it was about building a network of fans, followers, and people who genuinely cared about what you had to say or offer.
In the 2010s, someone took a chance on me. They gave me an opportunity to put my self-taught theories into practice. It was a long shot for them—but they did it, and I’ll be eternally grateful.
My theories proved correct, and the work I did for them was stellar. Soon, they were sharing my name with others looking for the kind of digital marketing expertise I was offering. Through word of mouth, I was able to launch my own digital marketing consulting agency—Rose and Angel. Before long, I was working for myself, continuing to test and refine my understanding of how algorithms could be used to help my clients grow and succeed.
Why It Made Sense
Making the leap from IT to marketing might seem like an unusual career pivot on the surface, but for me, it was a natural progression. My background in programming and understanding algorithms gave me a unique advantage in the digital marketing space. I wasn’t just learning how to use tools like Google Analytics and SEO—I was understanding why they worked the way they did.
Over time, what began as curiosity became a passion. I realized that digital marketing is as much about connection and storytelling as it is about data and algorithms. That blend of technology and human connection is what continues to drive me today.
If you’re someone considering a career change or wondering how your existing skills can transfer to a new field, take it from me—it’s possible. Sometimes, the leap you’re afraid to take is the one that makes the most sense in hindsight.